What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
According to a press release from the Skin Cancer Foundation called “Shining Light on Ultraviolet Radiation” :
UVA is long wavelength (320-400 nm) UV and accounts for up to 95 percent of the solar UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and has for years been thought to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling. Importantly, recent studies strongly suggest that it may also initiate and exacerbate the development of skin cancers. UVA rays are present during all daylight hours and throughout the winter months. Although UVA rays are less intense than short wavelengths, (UVB) they are present all year round and depending upon the time of the year, can be 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays. Furthermore, UVA radiation can penetrate glass and clouds. Thus we are exposed to large doses of UVA throughout our lifetime.
UVB is the middle range of UV with wavelengths between 290-320 nm. It is very biologically active and is responsible for burning, tanning, acceleration of skin aging and plays a very key role in the development of skin cancer. The intensity of UVB varies by season, location and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10am and 4pm between April and October. UVB rays penetrate glass.
What is AvoTriplex™ Technology?
AvoTriplex™ is our patented new technology that maintains broad UVA coverage over time – the skin-damaging rays that can cause wrinkles. This triple-packed technology features:
UVA Absorber: Powerful Avobenzone
Stabilizer: Prevents the Avobenzone from breaking down under the sun
Enhancer: “Synchronizes” energy for more efficient protection
The result is 100% photostable sun protection!
What is Powder-Dri™ Technology?
Powder-Dri™ technology is all about what’s NOT added. There are fewer film formers/emulsifiers that result in a sticky feel. Powder-Dri™ technology allows sunblock lotion to go on like a lotion and dry like a powder for a clean, super light feel.
My every day face lotion has SPF in it. Is it safe to just use this before I go to the beach?
Everyday face lotions with SPF are great for your skin and provide protection against incidental sun exposure. For a full, long day in the sun, look for a sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection and waterproof protection. These products will provide broad-spectrum protection and will also protect you if you are going to be in and out of the water. If you’re going to be active, they will not “sweat off” your body.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This is a multiplier that tells you how much longer you can remain in the sun without a burn when wearing a sunblock. For instance, if you can usually tolerate the sun for 10 minutes without a burn, an SPF 15 will provide you with 15 times that, or 150 minutes of protection without burning.
How do I know what SPF I need?
You need to consider a number of factors. How long will you be out in the sun? What is the UV Index for the day? What time of the day will you be out and what activity will you be doing? And, most importantly, what is your skin type?
If I apply a lotion with an SPF 8 and then put an SPF 15 on top of it, does that mean that I'm actually wearing an SPF 23?
SPF numbers don't add up the way you might think. Using an SPF 8 and SPF 15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection. It's not an additive.
I've heard that you don't need more than SPF 15. Is that true?
For fair and very fair-skinned people, an SPF 15, and in many instances an SPF 30, does not provide enough protection on a very sunny day in the summer, and remember, the longer you are in the sun, the higher SPF level you need.
Why do some people tan and others burn?
The reaction of our skin to sun, either burning or tanning, is based on genetics, we inherit our ability to tan or burn. In general, fair-skinned people often burn and are rarely able to tan. Darker skins, with their increased melanin, have more natural protection, but no one is immune to sun damage.
What questions about skin type should I consider when choosing sun protection?
Are your memories of the beach filled with thoughts of blistering sunburns? If so, you need a product that offers strong protection from the sun, even when you're not bathing in it. Try Sun Wear® Sunscreen SPF 50 Daily Lotion.
Do you burn moderately and tan gradually? Just because you eventually tan, it doesn't mean you don't need protection. Rather, make sun products with an SPF 15 part of your daily routine. Try Sport Performance™ Sunscreen SPF 50 Continuous Clear Spray.
Do I need to take extra precautions in the sun if I'm taking medication?
Photosensitization, an increased sensitivity to sun exposure, is a possible side effect of certain medication, including certain kinds of antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medicines, antihistamines and antidepressants. Consult your physician or pharmacist regarding photosensitization related to any prescription medications.
I was fine when I left the beach, so why am I burnt now?
The redness associated with sunburns can take up to 24 hours to show. If you are outside and your skin begins to turn red, get out of the sun. You may already have a sunburn. Products such as Aloe After Sun lotion can help soothe sunburned skin and help minimize peeling.
At what age should my children begin wearing an SPF product?
Under six months is simply too young for a baby to even be exposed to the sun. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. A product specially designed for a baby is perfectly safe and necessary. All children should make diligent use of sun protection products as part of their daily regimen. Since 80 per cent of a person's lifetime sun damage occurs prior to the age of 18, using sun protection from an early age can ward off cosmetic and health problems in the future. Try Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen products with high SPF levels.
At what temperature should the product be stored?
Preferably, products should be stored at room temperature, however all Banana Boat® products have been stability tested for usage at temperatures ranging from 48°C to 0°C.
I usually wear moisturizer under my makeup. Now I'd like to wear sunscreen on my face, too. In what order should I apply?
Apply moisturizer first, sunscreen second, and makeup last. For best results, allow some drying time between applications. For easier application, try Banana Boat® Faces sunscreen, especially formulated for your face. These products contain moisturizers as well as sunscreen, allowing you to skip a layer during application.
Do you have dark hair and eyes and skin that always tans and never burns?
You, too, need protection from the sun's rays and from pigment blotchiness, a little-known side-effect of the sun that often afflicts darker skin tones. Use an SPF 30+ when exposed to the sun. Try Banana Boat® Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30.